Game of Thrones S5E5 Review: "Kill the Boy" By Greg Hernandez

First off, the title of this episode, "Kill the Boy," was solid. Fantastic name for an episode. A lot of metaphorical and literal meaning to the title. I guess it's time for many of our main characters to grow up. Let's dive in.

We begin in Meereen with Daenerys. Ser Barristan is dead. For those of you who were fond of this character, do not worry too much, he's a POV character in "Winds of Winter." I'm assuming Ser Barristan was the book character who the show runners teased would die this season. Will he be the only book character to fall this season? I doubt it...

What a shame, no song or tales from the renowned warrior. His last fight was in an alley against former slave owners who hide behind masks and ambush their enemies. Hey, at least Greyworm is still alive. I found it very telling that Hizdahr Zo Loraq approached Dany as she was mourning Ser Barristan.

Dany's reaction is impulsive. She has the head of every noble family brought down to the dungeons for some hot bonding time. I enjoyed how this scene played homage to the book version. This is how true adaptation works. You can only fit so many characters onto a season of television. So. What do the showrunners do? They merge plots or take storylines from a book character and give it to a character that is already on the show.

In the book, "A Feast For Crows," "Quentyn Martell," is the one who gets burned alive by one of Dany's dragons. I like this version, because it gives Dany more agency. In the very next scene, Dany tells Hizdahr, who's macho bravery act evaporates upon Dany's reprisal, apologizes to him and still lays down the law. She tells him that she will in fact open up the fighting pits to free men only. She will also marry Hizdahr. On the surface this looks like a terrible decision. In reality it's bold and compromising. These two actions will calm the violence and allow her time to get closer to her enemies. Her enemies will be appeased, yet confused. The ambushes will most likely stop. It has to, because well, it's television, you can only repeat so much in one season. Should the attacks continue, they will do so from a different approach.

Dany is in a vulnerable position. Daario advised her to kill all her enemies, Barristan cautioned mercy and Missandei...yes Dany went to her for caution, advised her to follow her own instincts.
The show has set up the primary advisor role for Tyrion, should he make it to Dany of course.

On to the North...where we spent the majority of the episode. No King's Landing, Dorne, or Braavos...a very concentrated work. 

Maester Aemon, gives a brilliant speech,  in which he implores Jon Snow  to "kill the boy and let the man be born." Also...who didn't notice this? C'mon!

Sam is briefing Maester Aemon on Dany's situation when Jon Snow walks in on that very line.
A song of Ice and Fire.

Jon seeks Aemon's council. A wise move. Aemon gives him the straight dope. "Half the men will hate me," Jon Snow says about a difficult decision he has to make. "Half the men already do." Aemon cuts him off. He advises Jon to do what is needed. Jon and Dany are both in tough spots. As those in power with good intentions so often are, difficult decisions must be made, no matter the opposition. Jon has a better sense of direction than Dany, however his danger is more imminent than hers, due to the fact that the Night's watch is mostly manned by rapists, thieves and murders. Not to mention the free folk. Remember, we already saw one mutiny a couple of seasons back.

No reason that cannot happen again. Earlier episodes of this very season have hinted at that possibility. We keep hearing about how the men do not like Jon Snow. Now we finally see it. We see men vehemently disagree with his plans. We even see his staunchest allies oppose his views. Dolorous Edd and Olly.

The scene between Jon and Tormund was such a delight. I recommend everyone watch that scene again. I still do not enjoy Kit's acting, but that scene was driven home by Tormund. Very bold of Jon to untie Tormund and look him in the eyes as he does it. Tormund and Jon will be going to Hardhomme to bring the other Wildlings back. That's if, those very Wildlings do not kill them.

As Jon makes his plans to leave next episode, this episode Stannis rides south for Winterfell. He will not be taking any of the Wildlings with him, instead he's taking Melisandre. A departure from the books. Perhaps a twist of Stannis' fate. 

 I liked the brief scene between him and Sam. I believe the show runners have already showed us the victor of the battle at Winterfell. Sam tells Stannis that he killed a walker with obsidian or "Dragon glass." Why would Stannis get to learn such valuable information if he didn't have need of it for a future awesome episode for perhaps next season?

I also liked the respect Stannis gave Sam. You're the one who killed the walker. And your father was the only one defeated Robert during his Rebellion. Stannis also remarked how he had warned Robert not to go out so far west so soon. Stannis is a brilliant military commander. Perhaps the finest one left in all the seven kingdoms. It's pretty funny how the characters in the show now refer to the white walkers as walkers...it sounds so much like, "The Walking Dead."

Sam and Gilly...nobody cares about Gilly...

At Winterfell....things begin to boil in superior soap opera fashion. Rough sex between Ramsay and Myranda hits a sour note when her jealousy reaches maximum capacity. Ramsay's a Bolton now, so he must marry the Stark bitch.

Myranda seeks out Sansa in a creepy scene by a very familiar broken tower. If you don't recall that tower, it's from season 1 when Bran saw Jaime and Cersei deep into twincest and was promptly pushed out of the window.

I actually yelled at the television when Myranda touched Sansa. I would never let any stranger touch me like that...their bland conversation hit a nerve both characters as both were obviously covering up their suffering. Myranda cannot harm Sansa physically like the girl from last season, but she can break her emotionally by stirring up chaos. As the kennel's daughter, she shows Sansa where Theon, I mean Reek is. He sleeps with the dogs...at last these two characters meet.

Sansa knows all about what Theon did at Winterfell. She believes that he murdered her brothers. She's disgusted, angry and shaken all at once at the sight of this betrayer. Theon has been broken. I love how Ramsay noticed the difference in smell of Reek. Sansa, must have a strong fragrance.
Ramsay gets the truth out of Reek, who believes he's about to taste another thin, sharp, Bolton knife.

Instead, Ramsay forgives and later parades his creature and his sins at dinner. He "disgraces himself."
It was quite the episode for Ramsay, who can now be considered a main character. He has the screen time to back up that claim. Ramsay's fun ended when Roose and Fat Walda made their announcement that they were pregnant. Sansa's glare was priceless. That shut Ramsay up. 

Roose turns the game upside down. He does this to squash Ramsay's cockiness. His son has grown too comfortable and cocky in his new position as heir. He was much better at proving himself when he was a Snow. Now that he has nothing to lose and only to gain, he's been weakened. He didn't even torture Reek! Roose, says that the way Fat Walda is carrying, it will be a boy. That stings...

Ramsay's conversation with Roose was hilarious, brutal and most of all...fun to watch. Ramsay may have to do something to Walda..."Kill the boy," in the literal sense or kill his father...
Revenge for his mother hmmm? This episode aired on Mother's Day? Roose's revelation of how Ramsay was conceived was straight out of the books. I loved it. A bastard born of rape - that explains Ramsay. With Stannis the Mannis on his way in a few short days, provided the snows do not trap him, Ramsay may not have a chance to do anything to Walda or Roose...



Lastly, "The Doom of Valyria,"  This sequence was similar to the books.  It cemented the fact that the show will not be doing the "Young Griff," storyline. Tyrion will go straight to Daenerys. Now if you paid attention to last weeks episode, you remember that Stannis talked quite a bit about "greyscale," with his daughter Shireen. Many of Stannis' advisors begged him to send his daughter to the Doom, where she would live out her life, brief or not among those who were similar to her. The stone men, one touch and you receive their gift, the gift of a slow and painful death. Jorah has contracted greyscale, it's not a definitive death sentence, Shireen is alive, but Jorah needs help quickly.

I really enjoyed the moment when Tyrion and Jorah saw Drogon fly high above them. A wonderful shit yourself moment. Drogon is huge! Jorah knows that the's gotten even bigger since the last time he saw him. Tyrion no longer needs wine. Seeing a dragon will sober you up and keep you sober!

Best takes from this episode-

- Stannis being a grammar nazi, "Fewer," "What?" "Nothing."
- Daenerys' line. "A mother never gives up on her children."
- Hizdarh uttering the words,  "Valar Moghulis."
- Tyrion's line, "Long sullen silences and an occasional punch in the face. The Mormont way...
- Ramsay asking his father about sex with Fat Walda, "How did you find it?"
Try not to picture Roose Bolton having sex with Fat Walda....
- Brienne and Pod arriving at an Inn to recuperate. There's still people in The North who remember. Brienne manages to get a message out to Sansa. The woman tells her that should she ever be in trouble, to light a candle in the tallest window of the broken tower. Brienne will definitely see that.
I guess we'll have to wait till next episode to see some cool training sessions with Brienne and Pod.

- SO. How will Daario take the news of Dany's impending wedding? Another wedding on Game of Thrones...this season? Watch out Mother of Dragons.

- Wedding in Winterfell next episode? How many casualties will we have?

Here's the promo for this Sunday's episode: GOT: S5E6: "Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken

Game of Thrones S5E4 Review: "Sons of the Harpy" By Greg Hernandez

Lots of action, lots of doors opening, lots of talking, stabbing, kissing and breasts, and hugs?? Alright, Game of Thrones, you've packed quite a bit into one episode, let's dive in!

Let's start out with our traveling swordsmen. Many book readers are besides themselves for this duo. still being together post season 4. Why would Bronn help Jaime?  He turned down fighting the Mountain last season, isn't going to Dorne the same - a suicide mission? Why would Jamie go to Dorne with only one companion? "Not to start war." That answer is a little absurd. It's your daughter- I mean niece. I love the look Bronn gave Jaime when he told him they were rescuing his niece. Bronn is now a friend and personal confidant of Jaime. He knows so much about him.

Jaime reveals that he did not set Tyrion free. He actually did, just with the help of Varys. He is so upset with the end result of that rescue that he will split Tyrion into if he ever sees him again. Can you imagine Jamie telling his brother, "You killed our father, he are my regards!"

SPOILER**********






In the books when Jaime sets Tyrion free he finally confesses the truth about "Tysha," Tyrion's first wife and true love. Their meeting was in fact chance and not orchestrated. Jaime chased the vandals away and Tyrion rescued Tysha. That night they made love and absconded. The truth is that she did love Tyrion. Tywin did not like his son marrying some low-born wench. So. He lied and said she was hired to pretend to love him so he would finally lose his virginity. He allowed his men to rape her and each pay a silver. He made Tyrion watch and go last. He made him pay with gold, because he's a Lannister.


END OF SPOILERS********

The Sand Snakes finally make their appearance in episode 4. They are 3 of the 8 bastard daughters of "The Red Viper." Ellaria Sand is playing the role of Arianne Martell from the books. She seeks vengeance for Oberyn's death. The Sand Snakes wish to go to war and avenge their father. They need an army. They need to start a war. Killing Myracella is the perfect way to do that. Doran, may need to go first.

Need to see more of them before I judge. I will say this though. I read this article on the portrayal of Dorne in Season 5 and I have to agree with it.

Here's the link to the article I'm talking about: game-of-thrones-underserves-dorne/

The Sand Snakes are aware that Jaime Lannister has landed in Dorne. They have the loud mouthed Pentoshi captain. Guy is buried up to his neck in sand with scorpions crawling all over him...talk about suffering! Obara cements the loyalty of the Sand Snakes to Ellaria by launching her spear from several yards away and hitting the man right in the face. Direct hit!

Things are shaping up for a showdown between the Sand Snakes and Jaime and Bronn. I predict Bronn will die in the next episode.

My favorite part of the episode! The "Faith Militant," is back in power after two centuries. Now this is what I call a kick ass fanatical cult!

Lancel bad ass- religious nut - Lannister! Voluntarily getting your forehead carved into the seven symbol is hardcore dedication! Now that's righteousness for ya!

Cersei meets with the High Sparrow to discuss proper order. The old High Septon would not have refused so much wine, he would have asked for the entire vintage. Her objective is clear. She's making a powerplay against Margaery, by getting this High Sparrow on her side. It works. The High Sparrow plays along in her game. He's not ignorant of her twincest at all. He's playing the long con. Cersei's actions are instrumental in imprisoning Loras. She believes that she's given power to a new ally. Her mistake may prove costly later. Not everyone is going to be her puppet.

The "Faith Militant," destroys barrels of liquor, gambling and other businesses on the street, they disrupt orgies, both straight and gay. They treat the "cocksuckers," with extra violent care. People cry out for help, but the city watch turns their backs.

You cannot beat these guys easily. You'll need an army and a strong king. Joffrey and Tywin would not have let these fanatics get so far.

The stand off was nice.  The High Sparrow's prayers do not get interrupted. "He's praying, he will not be disturbed."

Tommen is stuck between two queens. His mother feigns ignorance to the intentions of the High Sparrow. She knows that her little cub isn't like the late Joff. Margaery is pissed at Tommen. She sees through this farce. Cersei is behind it all. The most powerful man in the Kingdom cannot rescue his brother-in-the-law. How will the Queen of Thorns react to this? I cannot wait for her return.

"The small council, grows smaller and smaller," says Pycelle. "Not small enough," says Cersei.
The oaf Mace Tyrell is off to Braavos to seek new terms with the Iron Bank. Woo, we'll get to see them again. His escort if Meryn Trant. I hope Arya gets to kill him. I still believe Mace is not like that. Perhaps he's playing the long con too.

Back in Winterell, Sansa is lighting the candles in the crypts, just like her father used to. She's not alone. The perfect place to speak privately in Winterfell are the crypts. Littlefinger and Sansa discuss the next chain of events. Littlefinger will return to King's Landing. I'm very interested to see where this goes. What episode will Littlefinger reach KL? Perhaps 8 or maybe 10. By the time he returns, if he does, Sansa will be a married woman. Oh, Ramsay, can Sansa make him his own? I highly doubt it. The plan is for Stannis to march south and take Winterfell away from the Boltons. That way, Sansa will become wardenness of the North. How's that for a prestigious title.  .I doubt that any northman will rally to the side of Stannis, they'll probably want to shore up things in the North.

Sansa and Littlefinger  dicuss Lyanna and Rhaegar (R +L). Sansa recalls the past. Rhaegar abducted Lyanna and raped her. Littlefinger's reaction is enough evidence to assume that his is a falsehood. Littlefinger was present at the tourney at Harrenhal. Rhaeger crowned Lyanna instead of his wife Elia (Oberyn's sister).

We end this creepy encounter with another kiss on the lips from Littlefinger. He really picks his moments when to kiss Sansa. I believe Sansa will become darker as the season progresses. Also, when will she encounter Reek?

Now on to Castle Black. Jon is training the new recruits in the yard. Stannis looks on. Sheesh is he bored...he wants to march already! I'm assuming he's gone next episode. Selyse, his wife comments on Jon's parentage, "born of some tavern slut," she remarks. "Not Ned Stark's away." replies her husband. He's right. Now we get more of a hint of who Jon's parents are. R + L= J. Rhaegar and Lyanna are Jon's parents. He's a Targaryen and Stark. I love how Selyse leaves as soon as Melisandre shows up. She knows that her husband prefers Melisandre's young body over hers.

I loved how Melisandre tried to seduce Jon. The look she gave him when he brought up his vows was so funny. A lot of Jon's dialogue sounds just like Ned. When I hear Jon speak, I imagine Ned speaking. He truly is the new Ned Stark now. Jon still love Ygritte. He prefers the dead red head over the live one.

Jon has great power. Imagine what type of shadow baby he'd help Melisandre create?

Melisdandre wants him to go down south with Stannis. He knows the way and knows the strengths and weaknesses of the castle better than anyone.

The last time Stannis went off to battle without Melisandre, the results were costly. This time, he will apparently take her. We'll see how that goes.

I laughed so hard when Melisandre stopped at the door, turned toward Jon and uttered the famous running joke of the series, "You know nothing Jon Snow."

Stannis and Shireen had a lovely little scene. Shireen asks the burning question that we've wondered since she was first introduced on the show. Is Stannis ashamed of her? Oh, Stannis, we finally can identify with you. You're no longer just the unloved middle child who constantly boasts about his claim to the throne. You're actually a loving father. You just have had a tough time of showing it. The hug encapsulates the entire scene. She hugs her father and it takes him a few seconds to hug her back.

I love how the actress entered the room too. Good acting. Very subtle.

Now we reach the part of the episode, that in my opinion was the worst. After Ser Barristan tells Dany yet another tale of her eldest brother, Rhaegar, Dany tells him to go out and sing a song. Ok, yes, go out alone while Dany and Daario listen to Hizdarh Zo Loraq speak more about the old traditions and appeasing the master with fighting pits and what not. Ser Barristan's dialogue about the past was such a beautiful yet useless drivel that had no bearing on the story whatsoever...clearly the writers have never figured out what to do with this character. His dialogue was meant to only detail Rhaegar's humility. Yes, he was a tragic figure.  What does this have to do with the present time in this political quagmire?

The trap laid by the Sons of the Harpy is brilliant, however the entire set up, was quite contrived. The seconds sons are actually whoring and drinking....really? Still trusting the whores...Daario should know that. Also, why would the unsullied not line up in formation to beat back the attackers? Yes, clever tactic in luring the Unsullied into closed and narrow quarters, however do the Unsullied only carry spears? For some reason they seem to be quite unprepared in a city in which they have spent much time in. They should know all about it by now, or at least have a good idea. But then again this fits perfectly into what Daario said two episodes ago to GreyWorm about fear. It's a useful weapon.

The fight choreography in this last fight scene was horrendous to me. Especially when Ser Barristan enters. I hated the score for this as well. It felt nothing like Game of Thrones. The fight was exciting to watch in terms of pacing and for the sheer fact that when you see Greyworm get stabbed and surrounded, you're automatically locked in. But watching Ser Barristan get stabbed and slashed only to have him saved by Greyworm at the end is quite pointless considering the fact that you already have a good idea that Ser Barristan is a goner. Grey Worm, not so much. I think he'll pull through.

Tyrion is back at Sea. He's heading off to see the Queen. Queen Daenerys. Not his sister. I love how Jorah knocked the man out, dragged him back to shore and then paid him. Tyrion was trying to cut himself loose, really, you wouldn't have gotten far imp...

Tyrion annoys the hell out of Jorah, but it works, the gag is taken out. And the talking begins. Tyrion's mouth gets him into trouble as he earns a hard smack. Hard truths cut deep, eh Jorah?


We'll see what happens if Jorah is able to bring Tyruon to Daenerys.


Quick takes

- Dany says the view below is so peaceful looking and pleasant from up in her temple. That is a very contemporary way of thinking. It mirrors how society is today and has always been. The rich and powerful high above. They don't understand how the poor live. Rhaegar did. He hung out a lot amongst the people. Dany cannot and will not do that. Perhaps she'll enjoy the view from high above on Drogon's back. - Varys - where is our spider...somewhere obviously. We'll see him again soon.
- Jaime - Used his gold hand as a defensive weapon. Nice! Catching the sword was cool
- Bronn - Really keeps the story engaging with his witty dialogue and action scenes
- Qyburn - Is quite comfortable on the small council.
- Snow - It's really beginning to come down there now.
- Jon - How it must suck to ask Roose Bolton for more men to defend the wall.
-Arya - I imagine we'll see her next episode
- Brienne - Same as above
- Ramsay - When will we see our first true scene between he and Sansa. Now that little finger is gone, the act is over. The North remembers though, I imagine Sansa will be protected somehow.
- Doran - We did not see him this episode

What did you all think of his episode?

- Will Jaime and Bronn rescue the princess?
- How long will Loras rot in that cell?
- Will Tommen and The High Sparrow speak?
- How will the Iron Bank react to Mace Tyrell's arrival?
- How will Sansa handle Ramsay?


Here's the promo for next week's episode: Game of Thrones Season 5 Episode 5 Promo

"Clothing in the USA" By Greg Hernandez

Is any of the clothing we wear, actually made in this country? 

Take a look at this link: AllAmericanClothing.Com

This passage is emblematic of this entire post.

Made in the USA

"That`s right, real American workers handcrafted our clothing with the highest quality fabrics, stitches, and materials made in America. None of that foreign made, sweat shop, unfair, penny paid labor here. Our clothing keeps people working in the United States.

When you purchase from All American Clothing you are helping our economy in so many ways! For example: the clothing is made in the USA, the box it shipped in was made in the USA, our website is hosted by a USA company, the shipping companies are all from the USA, the people who built our building are USA citizens, etc...As you can see, buying one shirt or a pair of jeans that are Made in USA affects many jobs in many different industries."

What a frank message...

The economy, jobs and national pride. All of this can be shown on the tag on an article of clothing that you're wearing. I bet if I asked you to remove your shirt right now the tag would say something along the lines of, "Made in China," right? I won't bore you with numbers and percentages, after all we're Americans right, we hate numbers!

Instead, please watch this clip from "Last Week Tonight," with John Oliver. 

He says it better than can I write it. Plus his show is amazing, articulate and extremely hilarious.

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver: Fashion (HBO)

Yes, the clip is 17 minutes long. Don't have the time to watch it? Fine, play it as you're doing your chores or something. If not watch the first 2 minutes only.

Americans buy a lot of clothes. Too much honestly, but the prices are so cheap! Yeah...we all know why, but do we even care? Do we really know the extent of how much money is made by these clothing Tycoons?

After watching that episode of "Last Week Tonight," I took a plethora of pictures from the tags of clothing that I wear.

I will no longer buy clothing that is not made in this country. 

I will no longer accept an article of clothing as a gift unless it was made here.

Is that thinking too reactionary? YES!

Do some clothing companies lie about whether their product was made in this country? Of course! But we have the Internet, so do some thorough research and find the best options to buy domestic products.

Child labor will never end...maybe not...but nobody is forcing you to buy the clothes made.

If we all stopped buying clothing from H & M, Banana Republic, ZARA, GAP, Old Navy etc...they would collapse.

The consumer controls commerce...take the power back.

Don't be a miserable consumer asshole - instead be a populace that is capable of critical thinking: George Carlin - The Ruling Class And What They Own

I can recall a time when I was shopping with my cousin in some athletic retail store. 

I bought some cool cleats and a jogging shirt. The cleats said, "made in China," while the shirt said "made in Taiwan." My cousin and I joked that "America doesn't make anything!"

Sad, but true. Should we only buy American now? You decide.

I already made my decision.